Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the maker's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Honda CR-V test page Subaru Forester test page
Track the Honda CR-V & Subaru Forester
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Price Breakdown
The Honda CR-V starts from $41,800 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Honda CR-V the more affordable entry point by $4,190.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $45,980 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda CR-V by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda CR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Honda CR-V and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda CR-V, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 11 in the Honda CR-V and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Recalls on our record
Honda CR-V
- REC-006151 · published 7 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the high-pressure fuel pump solenoid valve may develop cracks.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006150 · published 7 Nov 2024The worm wheel grease may be displaced over time.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- REC-005932 · published 2 Apr 2024This is a re-notification of REC-000585.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- 2 more on the model page.
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001212 · published 20 Apr 2018In affected vehicles the wiring loom may touch the clutch pipe.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2014
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Honda CR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda CR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda CR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Honda CR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda CR-V measures 4,704mm long on a 2,701mm wheelbase, 49mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 589L in the Honda CR-V and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Honda CR-V a 93L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Honda CR-V and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Honda CR-V.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda CR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Honda CR-V: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 65
The Honda CR-V comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 65), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Honda CR-V ahead by 13), technology (Honda CR-V ahead by 12), fuel economy (Honda CR-V ahead by 7). The Honda CR-V will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda CR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester?
The Honda CR-V is the cheapest at $41,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $4,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda CR-V uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Forester has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda CR-V has the largest boot at 589L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda CR-V makes the most power at 140kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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